Lent calendar prayer and reflection for 18 March

Fatima and Fati in Niger were given goats which bring them milk for their children and manure to grow their crops

“Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap”

Luke 6:36-38

Think about the gifts that you have received that have meant a lot to you. Were they the ones that were most expensive? Or were they the ones that were most thoughtful?

Sometimes even the smallest things can mean huge amounts. A smile from someone on a bad day. A text message that shows a friend is thinking of us.

When we take time to give part of ourselves to others, we can receive so much more back in return. We might learn something new, make a friend or deepen an existing relationship. Or we might just come away knowing we did something good that brightened someone’s day.

To give is to receive

Our relationship with God is the same. The more we put into it, the more we get out of it.

Lent is the ideal time for this. A time when we can try to commit to spending a little bit more time with God in reflection and prayer. Who knows what changes that might inspire in us?

By giving God more time and space in our lives, we can be inspired in turn to be different. To follow Christ’s example of compassion for all people, and to reach out in love to our global family.

Lent prayer

God of love, may I be compassionate as you are compassionate and generous as you are generous. Through me may others know of your love. Amen.